H.—6k

1900. NEW ZEALAND.

NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS FOR SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA (CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND, &c., WITH REFERENCE TO), AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS ON WHICH THEY WERE ACCEPTED.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

(No. 67.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 29th September, 1899. I have the honour to enclose you a resolution passed by the House of Representatives on the 28th September. On the declaration of the division—fifty-four in favour and five against— there was a scene of the greatest enthusiasm, the whole House rising and singing the National Anthem, followed by rounds of applause. 2. The same evening my Premier had an interview with me, asking me to cable the resolution and offer of services of two companies of Mounted Rifles. Each company is to consist of one hundred rank-and-file and at least four officers. 3. The New Zealand Government will provide outfit, transport to African port, rations, and horse-feed en route; but on landing, transport, rations, and ammunition to be provided by the Imperial authorities. This colony has no transport corps, or, at the present moment, any of the ammunition proposed to be used there. Tents can be sent, if desired. The number of horses it is proposed to send for the two companies is 250. 4. The payment of the corps throughout will be made by the Government. 5. The Legislative Council have passed a resolution approving of the resolution of the House of Representatives. This resolution was passed by thirty-six votes to one against. The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, I have, &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Ranfurly.

(Telegram.) Received, 30th September, 1899. Referring to your telegram of the 28th September, Her Majesty's Government highly appreciate and are grateful for loyal and patriotic offer of Legislature of New Zealand, of which they will gladly avail themselves if occasion arises, in which case you will be advised as early as possible. Governor, Wellington. Chamberlain.

(Telegram.) London, 3rd October, 1899. Referring to your telegram of the 29th September, the Secretary of State for War and the Com-mander-in-Chief highly appreciates the signal exhibition of patriotic spirit of the people of New Zealand. Desire that mounted infantry offered by colony be organized in two companies of 100 men each, armed with -303 rifles or carbines, full equipped, and with their own horses, but rifles or carbines can be supplied by Imperial Government if necessary. Not more than one captain and three subalterns for each company. Officer not higher than major may command whole force. From the date of disembarkation at South Africa the force is to be treated as integral portion of the Imperial Forces. After that date Imperial Government will provide pay at Imperial rates, supplies and ammunition, and defray expenses of transport back to the colony, and pay wound pensions and compassionate allowance at Imperial rates. Secretary of State for War notes the generous offer from the Governor of New Zealand to furnish pay in addition to transport, but thinks that the above-mentioned conditions should be applied to all Colonial Forces. Troops to embark not later than 31st October, proceeding direct to Capetown for orders. Governor, Wellington, N.Z. Chamberlain.

My Lord, — Downing Street, sth October, 1899. In my telegram of the 3rd instant I communicated to you the acceptance of Her Majesty's Government, on the terms stated, of the offer which your Government have made of troops for service in South Africa. I have now the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, copy of a letter from the War Office, on which that telegram was based. I have, &c, J. Chamberlain, Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G,